Caden Foster will follow in the footsteps of his father and his grandfather by taking his talents to West Point Military Academy next year.
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Caden Foster's Best Marks
400 Meters - 52.19
800 Meters - 1:56.20
1600 Meters - 4:27.52
5K Cross Country - 15:35
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Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing West Point?
Both my father and grandfather graduated from West Point and I have grown up steeped in the tradition and passion for the school and service to my country. For as long as I can remember, West Point has been the school of my dreams. I started talking to Coach Smith and McDougle over this past summer and they encouraged me to step up and really give this last cross country season my all. West Point is not a traditional college, and to make sure that the Military Academy was the path I was passionate about taking, I visited several other campuses. Through the process I got the incredible opportunity to visit some great schools and programs, as well as fantastic coaches and potential teammates. However, through it all, I felt that West Point was the place I truly belonged and would have the most success, not only as an athlete but also as a student and a United States citizen.
Q) What do you plan to study at West Point? And talk further on what you want to do with a degree from West Point (within the military).
Q) What do you plan to study at West Point? And talk further on what you want to do with a degree from West Point (within the military).
I plan to study some form of engineering. As far as my career in the military, there are a lot of unknowns that determine my job in the Army. When I graduate I will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, and as of right now, the branches I am leaning towards requesting are Field Artillery, Army Corps of Engineers, or Infantry.
Q) Has it always been the plan to go into the military? Talk on the commitment to not only pursuing competitive running in college, but to the military as well.
Q) Has it always been the plan to go into the military? Talk on the commitment to not only pursuing competitive running in college, but to the military as well.
As I mentioned earlier, my family has had a history both in the military as well as the Academy. It has been a lifelong goal to join the class of 2022 at West Point. Starting at the end of my Sophomore year and into my Junior year, I really began to develop a passion for running and now I can hardly imagine going to a college where I could not run. I am extremely grateful that the coaches at Army were willing to offer me a place on the team. The team there is really young, but they possess a deep desire to succeed competitively. I feel that the dedication to serving one's country translates well into racing- the bonds created by common struggle as well as the trust bred by brotherhood helps the team to race to the best of their ability. On top of that, upon graduation, I will be required to serve 5 years active duty and 3 years in the reserves. I have always wanted to serve my country and I am excited to have that incredible opportunity as well.
Q) You have a wide range of events that you've been successful in, primarily that 800 - what do you plan to focus on at West Point?
Q) You have a wide range of events that you've been successful in, primarily that 800 - what do you plan to focus on at West Point?
Over the last two years, especially this last fall I have really grown to love Cross Country. I am really excited to tackle the challenge of the 8k and 10k, as well as to compete with my new team at a higher level. As far as Track goes, I love the 800, but I also really enjoy the 1600m, although I have not gotten to race it as much as I may have wanted. I think that I will end up trying a bunch of events to see what role and event I fit into best.
Q) Could you share any goals you have for the upcoming track season?
As with the last couple seasons, we are looking to continue upon and improve our team's 4x800m success, and I look forward to competing with all of the very talented teams in our state. Individually, I am hoping to improve my times in the 800 and 1600 especially. Last year I barely missed the mark for state in the 1600, which was especially disappointing, but I hope to make the cut this year. I really just want to have fun with the season and enjoy my last few months of High School while also giving it my all.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?
Q) Could you share any goals you have for the upcoming track season?
As with the last couple seasons, we are looking to continue upon and improve our team's 4x800m success, and I look forward to competing with all of the very talented teams in our state. Individually, I am hoping to improve my times in the 800 and 1600 especially. Last year I barely missed the mark for state in the 1600, which was especially disappointing, but I hope to make the cut this year. I really just want to have fun with the season and enjoy my last few months of High School while also giving it my all.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?
I have had an incredible time running in High School for Mountain Vista, especially racing at state the last 2 years in Cross Country and Track. It is really difficult to pick one moment in particular. Winning XC State this year and going on to win NXR SW and making the podium at NXN were all incredible experiences, but probably my favorite memory was from our team's trip to Arcadia my sophomore year. Under the lights and in the pouring rain, our 4x800m team won the seeded heat. While it may not have been the invitational division, Dalby, the boys, and I could not have been happier. I still watch the race every few weeks when I need a little motivation, and I have the picture of us with our medals on my nightstand. It was a moment I will never forget.
